Tangrams
Web Link: Tangram Builder – Mathigon
Flexibility: This tangram builder uses the traditional 7 piece tangram. It also lists at least 30 different silhouettes for students to try to make the tangrams into. Polypad by Mathigon also has tangram pieces in it. Combined with adding pictures to the pad, teachers could make their own for students to use in polypad.
User Interface: Mouse and touchpad friendly. Very touch-friendly.
Browsers: Works with all major browsers.
Web Link: Tangrams
Flexibility: This empty canvas features tangram blocks. There are only 7 that can be used, although more can be duplicated. Blocks can also be deleted, their colour changed, and rotated in 22.5-degree increments. The blocks can be zoomed in or, or zoomed out. There is also a function to tidy them up (put them back in a square) and a function to scatter them.
User Interface: Mouse and touchpad friendly. Touch-friendly.
Browsers: Works with all major browsers.
Tangrams (IM)
Web Link: Tangrams (GGB)
Flexibility: This applet is a very simple virtual tangram. It contains all 7 pieces and a way to reset them. The pieces can be dragged and rotated. Below the applet, there are at least 20 tangrams for students to attempt to make.
User Interface: Mouse and touchpad friendly. Touch-friendly.
Browsers: Works with all major browsers.
Web Link: Tangram | Free Virtual Manipulatives | Toy Theater
Flexibility: This applet is a beginner's dream and nightmare. It outlines at least 10 tangram patterns that students can create. However, trying to move the pieces with a mouse or touchpad is difficult as they rotate when moving them if you don't click directly in the center of them. This is one applet where the touch functionality of it works better than mouse and touchpad.
User Interface: Mouse and touchpad friendly. Touch-friendly and recommended over mouse and touchpad.
Browsers: Works with all major browsers.
Web Link: Four Piece Tangrams | Math Playground
Flexibility: This applet is a 4 piece tangram puzzle. Students can play through levels trying to arrange the 4 pieces in the silhouette given.
User Interface: Mouse and touchpad friendly. Touch-friendly, but difficult to use.
Browsers: Works with all major browsers.